A Study of the Cost Effectiveness of Generalist Care Managers for Depression Treatment in Medicaid Recipients

A Randomized Trial of the Cost Effectiveness of Generalist Care Managers for the Treatment of Depression in Medicaid Recipients

This project will enable the investigators to conduct a randomized clinical trial to demonstrate the value of generalist care managers in the treatment of depression in Medicaid patients seen in primary health care practices. Depressed patients will be recruited at two primary care practices in Western North Carolina and randomly assigned to either generalist care management or usual care. Patients in each condition will be assessed at baseline and six months follow-up. Outcomes will include depressive symptoms, level of functioning, and cost-effectiveness measures.

Randomized trial among depressed Medicaid patients aged 18 years and older in 2 primary care practices in Western NC comparing an intervention with a GCM to usual care (UC) between July 2003 and February 2005. GCMs, already providing diabetes and asthma services, were further trained and given ongoing supervision to provide algorithm-based depression care to enhance guideline concordant treatment. GCMs provided elements of self-management, decision support, use of information systems, and core care management components.

Inclusion Criteria:

• scoring 10 or greater on PHQ-9 and primary care physician verification of major depression by clinical exam; and
• willing to begin or continue antidepressant medication

Exclusion Criteria:

• bipolar disorder, psychotic symptoms, or active suicidal ideation requiring psychiatric admission (